Well here I go... just got off the Explorer

[Ocean Boy]

3 hours ago, topnole said:

 It’s a very rational system, but imperfect.   

And becoming more imperfect by the day with tip jars appearing everywhere.

 

I've spent a lot of time in London pubs. Great service with no tipping. I guess some people don't need a carrot dangled in front of their noses in order to take pride in their work.

[nferr]

4 hours ago, Shorewalk Holmes said:

Especially the take-backsies auto-gratuity policy. It's cheesier than the cheap watches on the Promenade.  As many have said, RCL should pay the workers and account for that in the fare.  The fare is what people see, and what everyone should pay.

 

Exactly.

[nferr]

20 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

And becoming more imperfect by the day with tip jars appearing everywhere.

 

I've spent a lot of time in London pubs. Great service with no tipping. I guess some people don't need a carrot dangled in front of their noses in order to take pride in their work.

 Or maybe their base pay is a lot more.  Most bartender positions in the US get barely any base pay. They make their money through tips.

[buckeyefrank]

3 hours ago, Tatka said:

 

This is why they are collected separately, right ? Every time I wish tips were added to cruise-fare so we won't have discussions about removing them... I reminding myself that we are also benefiting from this. They will need to add higher amount to cruise fare to compensate.

 

 

That's part of the reason they're collected separately I'm sure, but I think a bigger reason is for TA commissions.  A higher base rate would translate to a pay increase for the TAs.